A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a main body comprising a front end and a rear end. A filter compartment may be provided in the main body and may comprise an open portion. A pair of spaced apart wheels may have an axis of rotation and the axis of rotation may extend through the filter compartment. A seal plate may be used to sealingly close the open portion. The seal plate may be positioned between one of the wheels and the filter compartment.